IBM Helps City of Stockholm Reduce Road Traffic by 25% in One Month

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STOCKHOLM, SWEDEN--(MARKET WIRE)--Mar 6, 2006 -- Following the January launch of the Stockholm Congestion Charging Scheme, initial data indicates that the pilot has successfully reduced traffic by 25 percent; increased public transport usage by 40,000 users per day; and dramatically cut peak-time road congestion.

IBM, as prime contractor responsible for solution design, development and operation, has worked closely with the Swedish Road Administration and the city of Stockholm to launch a trial congestion charging system covering a 24 sq km area of the inner city.

[...]

The scheme is the largest implementation of a microwave tag and beacon system in a European city environment. The technology chosen allows the city authority to vary the charge throughout the day, drivers to have direct debit accounts and a more efficient total operation.

Initial highlights form the first month of usage include:

-- Traffic at cordon points reduced by 100,000 vehicle passages per day

or 25%

-- Train and transit passengers increased by 40,000 per day

-- Congestion during peak hours dramatically reduced

-- No major re-routed traffic problem

-- Time tables for inner city bus lines have to be redesigned due to the

increased average speed

-- Parking fines reduced by 29%

-- The automatic charging system in operation from day one

-- About 350,000 vehicle passages identified per day

-- The system has been fully operational during the charging hours of

6:30 AM to 6:30 PM Monday to Friday.

Annika Billstrom, mayor of Stockholm, said: "It is important for me for Stockholm to become an exciting region in Europe. From an international perspective, it is important to not only have economic growth, but environmental growth. Many cities have serious environmental issues. We are now doing this trial with a modern, exciting, new system which the rest of Europe and the world can learn from."

The city has three objectives in implementing congestion charging: reduce traffic volumes in the inner city by 10-15% during rush hour; improve accessibility for buses and cars; and improve the environment. The congestion charge is a national tax, with the revenues returned to the Stockholm region for investment in the public transport infrastructure.

The Stockholm system is cordon-based, with 18 barrier-free control points around the charging zone equipped with roadside beacons and cameras to identify vehicles. All eligible vehicles entering or leaving the charging zone are charged based on time of day, with fares highest during peak rush hours, and up to a maximum charge per day.

Payment is via a number of channels including by direct debit triggered by the recognition of an electronic tag that is loaned to drivers. Camera and number plate recognition technologies identify those vehicles without tags, and are also used to verify tag readings and provide evidence to support the enforcement of non-payers. Payment channels for those without transponders include, via a Giro system at banks or over the Internet, and through retail stores such as 7-11.

The use of the transponders fitted in vehicles means the system has a more reliable capture rate and a more cost-effective back-room operation than congestion charging systems that do not use such devices. It also makes it far easier to operate variable charging with automated direct debit after the passage.

[...]

In preparation for the scheme, the Swedish government and the city of Stockholm have invested significantly in public transport, including 12 new express bus lines, 18 bus lines with extended service, and 1800 new park and ride places at stations outside the inner city.

[...]

For more information on the Stockholm congestion tax trial, visit the city's English-language website -- www.Stockholmsforsoket.se. The trial will run for a period of 7 months to 31 July, followed by a public referendum on 17 September to decide if the system should be retained or ended.

http://biz.yahoo.com/iw/060306/0112062.html

[Hilarious Clinton 452]

cool.

[almaty 19]

that be nice here...instead of taking forever with these st louis chopf##ks....

[w¡n9Nµ7 §£@¥€r 123]

that be nice here...instead of taking forever with these st louis chopf##ks....

Yes, this sounds like it's worth trying in NYC too.

[Trompe le Monde 1,107]

They've had a congestion charge in London for a couple of years now -- there have been significant improvements.

Of course Madonna thinks she doesn't have to pay it, as she announced at the Brit Awards.

[Saddle Bronc 124]

Well beyond major need for such in Wash-DC area.

[Kajikit 65]

Good idea but not cool at all for someone like my husband who's a field engineer and has to spend hours every day on the road to get to his calls...